CHELSEA LAU

HAILEY RYU social media manager

As one of the photographers for the Nugget, Cupertino High School’s yearbook publication, freshman Chelsea Lau captures time through photography. Despite being new to photography, Lau has grown to enjoy this aspect of art.

“What actually got me into photography and actually using the camera is yearbook. My current photo editor in yearbook made photography look really fun and interesting, but I had prior photography experience with taking photos for my sister on Instagram.” said Lau.

With support from her sister and dad, Lau’s photography journey as a yearbook staffer began.

“I received tiny lessons [from] my dad, he would tell me which photo settings I should use for different situations,” said Lau. “[Also, in] yearbook they teach you how to use the camera. My sister recommended it to me, she was like, oh, yearbook is really fun and you’re gonna make a lot of friends.”

Through yearbook photogra -

phy, Lau has been able to form new friendships and meaningful connections with others in her class. For instance, the class of 2026’s student council president spotted and met Lau at the homecoming rally while she was taking pictures.

“Our current council president for my grade asked me to take her campaign photos, which I felt good about. So I definitely met a lot of people through photography.” said Lau.

Not only has she made connections with photography, but Lau has also experienced and captured many significant — and humorous — moments.

Said Lau, “When I was taking senior night photos for badminton I [had] a lot of photos of people making funny faces while playing.”

Aside from forming relationships and memories, photographing people allows Lau to enjoy the aspect of capturing moments in time.

“It’s cool how they could pose in different ways. [...] I also like taking photos of scenery, because [it’s] really pretty.”

When asked about her favorite thing regarding photography, Lau commented on the concept of taking photos.

Said Lau, “I like the concept about you taking a photo and how you’re basically capturing time, which is really cool. And after you start photography you start noticing other details that other people don’t really care about or notice, which is also pretty cool”